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While statistics show that nearly 75% of children under the age of 2 sleep in a crib, by the time that child is 3 years old, the percentage drops to around 35%.
It seems that most children are ready to move to a big-kid (or at least a toddler) bed by the age of 3. But how do you know your little one is ready?
One reliable sign is if your child is able - and willing - to climb out of the crib. Then, for safety's sake, it might be time to move them to a big bed. (If your child is under the age of 2, however, you might want to consider a crib tent to help keep your little explorer in their crib for awhile longer.)
Another reason you might need the crib to be vacant is if another sibling is on the way, something that frequently happens when your toddler is between the age of 2 and 3. If that is the case, try to help transition your toddler to a big kid bed well in advance of needing the crib for the new baby, or you may face a lot of resentment from your toddler. When we moved Sabrina into a big-kid bed when Nathan was born, he slept in a bassinet in our room with us for a few months and we left the crib alone and empty - I used to call it "Switzerland." In other words, it was neutral territory before we transitioned Nathan into it.
And maybe your child is simply ready - and you are too. But before you make the move, do a thorough childproofing of their room. Because chances are, your little one is going to be doing some exploring once they realize that hey, they can get out of bed all by themselves. Secure all heavy furniture to the wall, put safety plugs in the outlets, wind up and store any drapery or blind cords, remove any choking hazards, and just generally make the room as safe as you can.
You may also want to invest in a sturdy and safe nightlight, if you don't have one already, because nighttime in a big bed can make a room that previously seemed secure and safe feel a little more scary.
Last but not least, consider getting a baby gate and installing it in the door of your toddler's room. Explain that once s/he goes to bed, your child needs to stay in the room, and only Mommy or Daddy can come get them out.
Then invest in either a toddler bed, which often come with side rails, or a regular-sized bed plus a couple of bedrails. Your child will not be used to the freedom of sleeping in a big bed and will roll out of bed at least once, if not many times. The rails will help prevent that from happening and will also increase your child's sense of security.
You are now all set to help your child move into their new bed! Let them explore the bed and get used to it. I suggest doing a trial run during a nap, which is shorter and potentially less threatening to your little one than a when a whole night is ahead of them.
When it is time to sleep, follow your usual bed/naptime routine. Then put them in the bed and give them some books and maybe even a toy or two with the instructions that they have to stay in bed, just like they had to stay in their crib. And that you will come get them when it's time to get up.
Then close the baby gate or and prepare yourself. The transition may take some time, and you may want to do a few days of naps in the big bed before you tackle nighttime.
As always, be consistent and stay firm with your little one - when it is time to sleep, it's time to sleep in the bed. If your child gets out of bed and calls for you, go in and quietly and firmly put them back in bed with little conversation (don't overreact) and then leave again. Repeat as needed. If your child gets the idea that you mean business and that this is their new bed, you will have success a lot sooner than if you give in and let them sleep with you or leave their room, even if they are upset.
Allow both of you some time to get used to this new stage, but before you know it, your child will be sleeping soundly in their new bed!
Good luck - and congratulations on your ever-growing child!
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